Beer isn't just beer anymore. Over the last several years, the craft beer industry in central Arkansas has exploded. One can travel around Pulaski County sampling beers of every taste and type. There are even a couple of wineries and a distillery.
But tonight, they'll all be under one roof at the River Market Pavilions.
Locally Labeled Pavilion Party
5-8 p.m. today, River Market Pavilions, 400 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock
Admission: Free, ages 21 and older only
(501) 376-4781
rivermarket.info
The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau is presenting its third Locally Labeled Pavilion Party, 5-8 p.m. today.
Locally Labeled is a program the bureau started several years ago in response to the influx of craft breweries in the greater Little Rock area.
"We packaged all of those together and created Locally Labeled of Greater Little Rock," says Libby Lloyd, bureau communications manager.
They also created a "passport" to the various craft beverage locations: Blue Canoe Brewing Co., Core Public House, Damgoode Pies Brewpub, Diamond Bear Brewing Co., Flyway Brewing Co., Lost Forty Brewing, Rebel Kettle Brewing, Refined Ale Brewery, Stone's Throw Brewing, Vino's Brewpub, The Water Buffalo & Buffalo Brewing Co., An Enchanting Evening Winery, River Bottom Winery and Rock Town Distillery.
"You find passports everywhere with ale trails, wine trails, distillery trails," Lloyd says. "This one is a bit unique in that it combines all three of those. It's really been very popular over the last few years."
Passports are available at all partner business locations and at the bureau. As passport holders visit different locations, they collect stickers and can then claim prizes. With seven locations, the passport can be redeemed for a Locally Labeled coaster and, with 10, a T-shirt. People who visit all 14 can get both when they turn the passport in at the bureau's store.
For the Pavilion Party, all 11 local breweries, two wineries and Rock Town Distillery will set up booths in the River Market Pavilions, providing samples and selling their products while Tragikly White entertains.
While there, visitors can pick up their own passports and guests who collect three stickers at the party can get a Locally Labeled Solo cup. And, of course, attendees are welcome to continue their journey after the party ends. There's no time limit to collect stickers and prizes.
Aside from the libations, there will be food trucks, a photo booth and life-size games. Think super-size versions of popular games such as Connect Four, Baggo, Operation, Battleship and Jenga.
"I think that's going to be a hoot," Lloyd says.
The purpose of the party, she explains, is to bring attention to the growing craft adult beverage scene in central Arkansas: "It's an added tourism amenity for our destination. ... We really have a lot to offer in the way of craft breweries, wineries and distilleries that people might not be aware of. It's a good way to get oriented to another amenity we have here in the greater Little Rock area."
Weekend on 10/11/2018